Maradona’s 66th birth anniversary marked with tributes

Football fans in Argentina and Italy are paying tribute to Diego Maradona on Friday, marking the 66th birth anniversary of the Argentine football legend with community initiatives, street art and a charity event.

Maradona was born on October 30, 1960, and died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60.

In Villa Fiorito, the Buenos Aires neighbourhood where Maradona grew up, a community initiative has honoured his legacy through school activities, art and educational support. The initiative at Primary School No. 63 included distributing school supplies to students, collaborative art activities and the opening of a computer room named after the former footballer.

In Italy, Naples is also marking the occasion. Maradona remains a revered figure in the city for his role in Napoli’s rise to prominence during the 1980s. A charity event titled “La Mano de Dios” has been announced at the historic Gran Caffè Gambrinus to support the Santobono Pausilipon Foundation, which helps children receiving medical care.

The event is set to feature an original cast of Maradona’s left hand, while donations will support the foundation’s work with children.

In Argentina, supporters have also planned street-art tributes in several cities, including Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata, Bariloche, Corrientes and Tartagal, bringing images of the football icon into public spaces.

Maradona captained Argentina to victory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, producing some of the tournament’s most memorable performances. He also led Napoli to two Serie A titles, in 1987 and 1990, becoming one of the most celebrated players in the Italian club’s history.

More than five years after his death, Maradona continues to hold a special place in football culture in Argentina and Naples, where his achievements remain a source of pride for generations of supporters.